MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford School District is gearing up for the first day of school, with more than 100 new employees.

One of those is the new District Superintendent, Doctor Brian Shumate. He says there are about 120 new employees, and about 68 are new teachers. After the teacher strike left some parents and students with negative feelings, the district is confident the new year is starting off on the right foot.

Superintendent Shumate says: “But I’m trying to shift that emphasis to make sure that everybody understands, every employee in this district whether classified, certified, whatever role they may play, sees themselves as a vital support mechanism for the classroom, so kind of just changing the way they look at their work.”

The Superintendent also says a big goal is to improve graduation rates with an immediate goal at 80%. The district is also adding two new principals and a human resources director.